Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director of Information for the Ministry, announced this initiative during the 21st Africa Down Under Conference at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth, Australia. Within the confines of the Ministry’s exhibition booth, numerous investors expressed their keen interest in Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
Balogun conveyed, “The country’s strategy to encourage investment in its mining sector was made evident. We are introducing the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation to bridge the gap between Nigeria and the global mining community. Additionally, our laws facilitate investors in repatriating their profits.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to backing investors, Balogun emphasized the significant resources channeled into the geoscientific examination of Nigeria’s minerals. This move, he mentioned, will furnish investors with detailed data about mineral quality and volume, aiding them in forecasting both investment costs and potential profits accurately.
The increasing demand for lithium, particularly in the automobile industry due to its application in battery production, is evident. In light of this, Balogun noted the advancements of investors like Basin Limited with their North-based Jupiter project and Lithium King Investments in the South West. These ventures validate claims of Nigeria emerging as a prime hub for this sought-after mineral.
Furthermore, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, provided assurances to potential investors regarding the security of their ventures. He highlighted the government’s firm stance against illegal mining operations. Alake elaborated on the administration’s directive, urging illicit miners to integrate into cooperatives within a month. In tandem with this, the government plans to roll out a specialized surveillance task force and mine police to deter and counteract mining-related criminal activities.
